TLDR: A recent global study by LinkedIn and Censuswide indicates that one in five young jobseekers (Gen Z and millennials) are overstating their AI proficiency on resumes. The research, which surveyed over 19,000 employees across 14 countries, highlights a pervasive sense of being overwhelmed by AI expectations, with nearly half of workers feeling that learning AI is akin to a ‘second job’.
A comprehensive global study conducted by professional social network LinkedIn in collaboration with Censuswide has unveiled a concerning trend: approximately one in five young jobseekers, specifically those from Generation Z and millennial demographics, admit to exaggerating their artificial intelligence (AI) skills during job interviews. This revelation underscores the immense pressure on employees to demonstrate proficiency in rapidly evolving AI technologies within the current job market.
The study, which encompassed over 19,000 employees across 14 countries, including Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, provides a detailed snapshot of the workforce’s sentiment towards AI integration. A significant finding indicates that almost half of the surveyed workers (46 percent) perceive the effort required to learn and adapt to AI as burdensome, likening it to ‘taking on a second job’. Furthermore, one in three respondents (37 percent) expressed feeling overwhelmed by the expectations placed upon them by employers regarding AI capabilities.
Adding to this sentiment, the research found that a notable 28 percent of participants felt embarrassed by their limited knowledge of AI. This collective anxiety is compounded by a widespread belief, shared by nearly two in three (63 percent) of those surveyed, that individuals who resist learning about AI will inevitably fall behind in their careers.
Matt Tindale, LinkedIn ANZ managing director, commented on the findings, stating, “What the research is showing is this sense of being overwhelmed.” He elaborated, “There is expectation from hiring managers around AI literacy and this all combines to give many professionals and jobseekers a sense of being overwhelmed by how much they have to learn and new technologies they have to be proficient in.”
The study’s release comes at a time when AI’s impact on the economy and workforce is a prominent topic. The Australian Bureau of Statistics recently identified AI as the fastest-growing area for research and development, and discussions surrounding AI and its regulation were a major focus at a recent government economic reform roundtable. The rapid and substantial influence of AI on both businesses and employees is undeniable, prompting many workers, particularly in Australia, to actively seek self-training opportunities using free online resources to bridge their skill gaps.
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While the findings suggest a proactive approach from many workers eager to adapt, Mr. Tindale also noted that some may require additional guidance and reassurance, emphasizing that proficiency in AI does not necessarily demand advanced computer science skills.
